Easily the Best D-Fenders Head Coach in Franchise History
Marquette Assistant Coach Dan Panaggio was hired to lead the Lakers D-League team into their inaugural season. He's worked recently with the Blazers (presumably not as an "off the court" mentor) and racked a boatload of CBA wins (and not that various commonalities always guarantee similar larger scale success, but so did this character, who you may have heard of). The three-time CBA coach of the year won it all in '94 and '98, so expect to see him flashing those championship rings throughout games in an effort to intimidate the D-League opposition. "That's right! Those Quad City Thunder squads, baby! How you like me now, bee-yach!"
And for those sensitive types who can read anything as some kind of Kobe-Wade comparison, relax. Panaggio was never at Marquette during Dwyane's glory years. No connection to be had. Take it back down to orange.
—AK
sonnybelfast-
im just wondering. upon reading this blog, it probably seems to you that the laker fans here are a bit too optimistic about the season. i know you arent the biggest kb24 fan but having that guy on our team, we feel that we always have a chance. a chance at what...dont know. my question is, do kings fans feel that they have a good enough squad to make some noise in the playoffs this year?
Posted by: sixonezero | August 21, 2006 at 09:26 AM
Read this from Sam Amico about the USA team -
I just know I would feel better about this team if Kobe Bryant were playing. He is the one guy who isn't worried about being a close friend to everyone else on the team. He is the one guy with a real killer instinct. And he is the one guy who wants to win at all costs, even if it means hurting someone else's feelings to get the job done. I wish LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony had Bryant in uniform so they could pick up on that attitude.
Posted by: keifo | August 21, 2006 at 09:33 AM
AK,
It is not really your fault, but the LA TIMES has no credibilty on the Kobe issue. The paper has sold him down the river too many times to claim fair or balance reporting. I remember that for two years straight the only reader letters published were the ones that had something negative to say about Kobe. Negativity sells and the LA TIMES rode that horse into the groung. Charles Rosen made his name on the back of a Phil Jackson sponsored smear campaign. So AK, yes you try to be fair but "that woman has been working the nightshift for too long now".... if you understand what i mean.
Posted by: THE TROLL | August 21, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Taliq,
Off the top of my head, here's a couple posts I wrote about Kobe that I think were pretty flattering regarding him and his teammates.
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/04/kind_of_a_conti.html#more
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/05/final_report_ca.html#more
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/05/you_have_no_ide.html#more
Beyond that, I have neither the time nor the patience to dig through the blog in an unnecessary effort to defend myself (Thank you, S.Tan. haha). I know what I've written about Kobe and it's never included a personal attack.
You want a quote from B.Shaw saying he's had issues with Kobe in the past? Read this blog's interview with him. That's a pretty good start. Beyond that, I'm not doing some massive Google search looking for quotes. Anybody's who paid the slightest bit of attention over the last 10 years knows it's been the case and knows teammates have owned up to it.
And for that matter, I NEVER said that Kobe's currently not getting along with his current teammates. I said (in my impression) he's kept them at a distance from time to time. There's a large difference. I also acknowledged that I think he's making some progress to improve on that. I don't see what's so bad about that.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 21, 2006 at 09:49 AM
Jay Jay, you couldn't be more right about Lamar at point.
Posted by: greek dude | August 21, 2006 at 09:51 AM
The Troll,
I appreciate you not putting all the blame for the L.A. Times' lack of credibility squarely in my lap. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM
Glenn,
Thanks for that post. Is it me, or does that seem like a really dumb trade? I can see why Dunleavy would want to coach his son, but It doesn't really make sense for the Clips since Jr. hasn't really panned out. The only teams really benefitting would be Denver, and Golden State. Denver gets a nice player in Maggette, but from everything I've read they want Harrington so why would they help Golden State get him? And Obviously Golden State ends up with the best player on the market so they win.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Jay Jay and Greek Dude,
I'm not going to speak for anybody else but I think we'll only use that big lineup sparingly. Against teams like San Antonio, Dallas, and Phoenix we wouldn't have that big lineup all game, only at certain times when it would benefit us. Actually, I doubt if we would ever start that lineup. It would probably just be a way for us to get some easy buckets against smaller lineups, or a way for us to defend bigger lineups.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 10:24 AM
We not only want our superstars to be "superhuman" athletes, we also want them to be "superhuman" as human beings too.
Everything is relative from where I sit. Some of the criticism of Kobe Bryant's demeanour and personality are warranted, and some of it does seem to be too much. I wonder how much of a factor it is that Kobe spent so much time growing up in Italy, how much that shaped his personality, and how much if affects the way he deals with his American teammates?
Kobe came into the L really, really young, and by any standards had great success in terms of fortune and fame at an early age. I think he should be guarded, and I think he has made his share of mistakes.
I think that he is maturing rapidly, and I like what I see of him off the court. He's not Magic, that's for sure, but he's not Kareem either, personality-wise, so it stands to reason he's somewhere in between.
Incidentally, this was very much Shaq's and PJ's team. Kobe wasn't even second fiddle but third banana. Today, like it or not, it's his (and then PJ's) team and I think that having tested the mantle, he is beginning to wear it well.
Posted by: Glenn | August 21, 2006 at 10:44 AM
AK,
I'll respond to your post later. In the meantime, lets get the link to that Bshaw interview with the damaging kobe comments you allude to
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 21, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Today is Wilt Chamberlain's birthday. NBA.com sent me it's tribute to the Big Dipper.
http://www.nba.com/gallery/wiltchamberlain/060820_1.html
It's a slide show of 70 photos of Chamberlain. In it you'll see Chamberlain's body from a high school kid to a older gentleman. It's amazing how it fills out. The same thing is going to happen to Andrew Bynum.
One other thing I liked is the photo of Wilt and Dr. J. Dr. J looks so proud to be in a photo with Wilt.
Wilt was special.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Taliq,
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2006/03/talking_with_br.html#more
And I would say "damaging" is a bit strong (especially since I'm not out to "damage" Kobe). Shaw simply acknowledges what I've been talking about.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 21, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Glenn,
"Incidentally, this was very much Shaq's and PJ's team. Kobe wasn't even second fiddle but third banana. Today, like it or not, it's his (and then PJ's) team and I think that having tested the mantle, he is beginning to wear it well."
I think you're right!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Light At The End…
First things first, the Lakers should make the trade to get Al Harrington. Obviously, if they don’t I still believe that they will be fine this year. However, you don’t pass up a chance to get a player like Harrington when you have the chance. Let’s be honest about it, outside of 3 or possible 4 current Lakers, none of the others would be missed if they were traded. In fact, most are only considered valuable only because they are on the Lakers playing alongside Kobe Bryant. Harrington is much different, although I don’t recommend selling the farm to get him. I believe that the Lakers can afford to let go of 3 or 4 players therefore making ample room (both roster and financially) to bring in Harrington along with another big man. The veteran big man or “Salley-Man” as I like to call him, would be insurance, and veteran experience more than anything else. Here is what I propose that the Lakers do.
Trade Chris Mihm, Brian Cook, Sasha Vujacic and Aaron McKie to the Hawks in exchange for Al Harrington and John Edwards. Hopefully, Sasha would be waived therefore giving the Lakers the opportunity to resign him after waivers. The Lakers could in turn waive John Edwards, as well as sign a free agent center like Tony Battie, Kelvin Cato, Ervin Johnson, Amal McCaskill, or another veteran center that is currently a free agent. Finally, the Lakers could sign J.R. Pinnock to a limited-unsecured contract which would have a clause in it to be extended after the trade deadline if the Lakers so choose to keep him. This would be important because Laron Profit is expected to be fully recovered by sometime early 2007. If he is ready to go at that time, the Lakers could waive Pinnock (sending him to the D-League) and bring back Profit. By the second half of the season, the roster could look like this.
Point Guards – Jordan Farmar, Smush Parker, Shammond Williams
Shooting Guard – Kobe Bryant, Maurice Evans, Laron Profit, Sasha Vujacic
Forwards – Al Harrington, Lamar Odom, Vlade Radmanovic, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton
Centers – Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Kelvin Cato
Considering what the Lakers looked like just two seasons ago, I would say that this would be a very impressive lineup. Not only would it be more potent offensively, I would predict that defense would pickup as well. Plus, the versatility of this lineup would afford the flexibility needed to play wit teams like Phoenix while still having the size to compete with teams like Miami and San Antonio.
Posted by: JJ | August 21, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Say it ain't so. You'll hear it on CNN and see it in the International Herald Tribune. Even the Onion and Hustler Magazine ran pieces: Polish Americans alone are responsible for the demise of the Los Angeles Times.
Sam Amico wrote: "I just know I would feel better about this team if Kobe Bryant were playing...(if)Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony had Bryant in uniform...they could pick up that attitude"
Hey Sam, no thanks. Just in case you haven't noticed, Team USA is doing just fine without him, or his attitude. Is this not true?
Bird, Bonds, Tiger, Kareem, Jordan, Babe, Boggs, McEnroe. Let's see now, which little squealer was brought up on rape charges?
I say the Poles did it! Get a rope!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Those pics of Wilt are awesome. Wilt was truly THE MAN. And I didn't know he could jump so high! The guy could almost touch the rim flat footed, he was the tallest, and could jump the highest. Wow. Truly a man among boys.
You could see the respect he had from Dr. J to Bill Russell to Micheal Jordan. And on the other hand, you could see the respect he gave to George Mikan. Wilt knew what time it was.
Thanks for those pics Mike T.
RIP Wilt.
Posted by: Rocky | August 21, 2006 at 11:25 AM
JJ,
I really like your idea. I wouldn't count on us resigning Sasha off waivers, but other than that it's a pretty solid Idea. My only other problem would be letting Pinnock go for Profit. Like I said in an early post, I don't really understand the point of bringing Profit back. From what I understand we brought Evans in to be Kobe's backup so what would be Profits purpose? All he would do is take up roster space that could be used to keep Green, and Pinnock.
I think Pinnock can be a good player in this league, and I think it would be in our best interest to let Kobe groom this kid into something great. Green has shown the capability to be a good defensive player, and if he keeps working on his jumpshot he could be a really good role player.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 11:26 AM
Like I said on a prior occasion, Mo Evans will dazzle you...for about 22 minutes a game. Don't play him longer than that.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 11:32 AM
AK,
Thank you for bringing in the Sean Rooks reference. That made my day.
As for the trade for Harrington, it's a win-win either way is how I see it. If you get him for what we're offerring, smashing. We get a versatile, young forward who greatly increases the talent level of the team. If you don't, we have a few decent role guys who know the offense with expiring contracts, and we keep some semblence of cap flexibility for the future if the current group of guys doesn't work out.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 21, 2006 at 11:33 AM
Sonnybelfast,
I know you wrote the beginning of your post as a joke (at least I hope), but I don't think it's funny to use a person's cultural, or racial background in the blog. I'm not Polish, and I'm not pretending to speak for anybody else, but I just think it's disrespectful.
Anyway, do you honestly believe USA basketball is better off without the best player in the world? We all know you don't like him, but can you honestly say we would be a worse team if the most dangerous player in the game were part of it? You should take your purple, and silver (those are the Queens colors right?) shades off for a second, and realize that no matter how much you and the Queens hate him, it doesn't stop him from being the best player this planet has.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 11:34 AM
When everyone starts discussing who to keep between Sasha, Green, Pinnock, or Profit, it really won't make or break us either way. You could almost fill in the blank on the roster with any average ability 6'5"-ish guy and the impact would be the same.
What we should all worry about it the precipitous drop off in talent and ability after LO. That's what we need to spend time thinking about.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 21, 2006 at 11:36 AM
Picture 16 on Mike's link to Wilt is hilarious. Wilt is flying over these three dudes who look like they are about to freak out if he falls on them. Their expressions are truly hilarious.
Posted by: Marcus | August 21, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Marcus,
You're right, it is funny. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Andrew Z,
I think it does matter who we have out of Sasha, Green, Pinnock or Profit. Profit is coming off a major injury, and we already have someone doing his job, and Sasha is a shooter who struggles to shoot, so why should we keep/pickup either one of these guys? Pinnock, and Green are young and have lots of room to grow so I say we should pick them up.
Right now our team is looking for major help to push us over the top, which takes away from the time they might spend looking for good role players. The way I see it Pinnock, and Green can be those role players we'll need down the line that we might not be able to find later.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 11:56 AM
Happy birthday Wilt!
Just for FYI purposes, if we do retain Pinnock (who I like) and don't guarantee his contract, we lose a chance of retaining him, or having his rights for the future. So most likely, he'll go to Europe for that purpose.
"Players in camp sign contracts with the team and if Pinnock does - and they cut him - the Lakers lose his rights. So I would say that there's a chance Pinnock goes overseas instead of joining up with the team, but that's just a hunch." (Eric Pincus, http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18441.shtml)
By the way, check out that link...it's a very informative article by Mr. Pincus.
Posted by: Faith | August 21, 2006 at 11:57 AM
If I was on the Clippers team and coach Dunleavy traded Maggette for his son I would be pissed. Jr. avg'd 11.9 pts. on 40% shooting with 2.9 assists and 4.9 rebs. Maggette had 17.8 pts on 44% shooting with 5.3 rebs and 2.1 assists (he avg'd over 20 ppg the 2 years previous, when he was playing 36 minutes instead of 29).
Posted by: Marcus | August 21, 2006 at 11:59 AM
S. Tan,
Yes. I am as enthusiastic a Kings fan as many of you are Brokeback fans. It is also true that I get along with Kings fans and Forty Whiners about as well as I get along with ya'll.
Last year, many pundits and fans had the Kings near the top of the Pacific. Not me. I had hoped that they would pull it together by seasons end, which they did.
When handicapping games, power rankings and other stats are often times misleading. Many writers and fans will consider the Sacramento Kings a low end playoff team at the seasons beginning, based on those rankings.
I, on the other hand, incorporating pieces of the whole picture, have a gut instinct that the Kings will make some serious noise from day one, even without Bonzi (or perhaps especially without him) although to this day, the jury is still out as to where he may land.
If the Brokebacks were my number one team, I'd be excited about the teams chances this coming season. You've got a shot to make the playoffs and even advance.
By mid season however, the Kings should dominate most teams, including yours. Then again, that's why they play the games.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 12:14 PM
Hey Weave-man,
Sasha is to me as Kwame is to Mike T. LOL
C'mon man, Sasha is only 22 years old. Once Sasha gets more confidence, he could be a very good role player. He shot 60% threes in the playoffs (which shows his potential) and he has a lifetime freethrow percentage of 90.1%. We also need to remember how much he improved on his defence last year. Remember how he pissed off Allen Iverson, the quickest guard in the leauge, and Steve Nash?
Wow, I've written way too much defending Sahsa.
Posted by: greek dude | August 21, 2006 at 12:27 PM
I wish I was around when Wilt played. I remember my dad telling me about Wilt, and how good he was the day that he died when I was around 12 years old.
Posted by: greek dude | August 21, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Weave Man,
Regarding Team USA. If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Based on results thus far, attitudes are just fine. Do you not agree?
Can't take off my purple, silver and black shades. Things are lookin' too bright for the Kings of basketball.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 12:36 PM
pfunk36,
Thank you and I am a girl.
--------------------------------------------------------
Marcus,
You said it; before it wasn’t Kobe’s team and Shaq did not allow Kobe to be a leader, so Kobe just got isolated and was afraid to open up to his teammates. Also you have to remember that he was only 17 and that makes a big difference. He himself has said it, that he was just about the game and he had nothing in common with his teammates.
I read an article in Newsweek or Life magazine about Kobe, it was an extensive article and they mentioned how his mother and sisters over protected him, that when he first began his NBA career his mother used to pack his bags and Kobe was not allow to watch violent films (scarface, the godfather, etc.) And recently I read an article where Kobe said that when he was in Italy his mother didn’t allow him to go watch soccer games in stadiums. I think all of that and growing up in another country contributed to the way he was and now he’s trying to change.
I have never said that Kobe is perfect, and about his personal life, well that’s personal not my problem. That doesn’t have an effect on his game, so it’s no concern of mine.
I think now Kobe is coming into his own person and he’s starting to mature. After all he’s only 27 going on 28. I think many of us were different when we were younger; we tend to mature, and acknowledge our mistakes and faults.
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Mike T - scores again - super post on Wilt- thanks
He was the reason I became a Laker fan 36 years ago! Always cool and had a fun time after the games, laughing and joking around. Unlike Russell, he was great to everyone. Shaq truly embarrasses himself pretending to be the MDE over Wilt,Kareem or even Russell.
Wilt - god rest your soul and we miss you. Thanks for the memories.
Posted by: Peter Maguire | August 21, 2006 at 12:48 PM
AK,
About team dynamic, I don’t think it was just Kobe’s fault when all the drama was going on, but oh well lets move on. Kobe is now becoming a great leader in my opinion; he now understands that is not just showing them by working out but also by talking to them, by being friendlier. It’s human nature to like certain individuals and to dislike others and unfortunately for Kobe he doesn’t have that choice, but he should.
I understand that Kobe and his teammates have had problems and it’s normal, they spend a lot of time together. Kobe is not perfect and his teammates are not perfect. That his teammates sometimes understand each other better because they are more alike is not Kobe’s fault.
We all may have misconceptions about others (remember your radio appearance a couple of months ago, and they said you were in your basement wearing a rope and just working on your blog; I noticed in your voice as if you didn’t like that comment) and that the media has the power of the paper and pen, the radio and television helps them vent about what they don’t like. Unfortunately the masses follow that instead of making their own judgment, just to be in sync with what it’s perceived as to be the general view of a certain person or topic.
The media darling was not Shaq, but it applies to him also, it’s another media darling, but hey of all the media darlings put the name you wish and it’s him. I will not say his name.
About the hating issue, you should know by now that I don’t use hate or think you hate Kobe or are hating on Kobe, is only the perception you get when I disagree with you. What I say is not to defend Kobe specifically it may seem that way but it’s not, it’s just annoying to read how a person’s personality affects how it’s written about him or her. It would be nice to put a line between athlete and person. For the athlete to do his job, to be nice to fans, to answer questions reporters ask and leave it there.
BTW: I didn't answer you before because last night I went to sleep,I was not going to lose sleep because of this, haha, so sorry and today I hadn't had a chance.
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Yea, 27 going on 17.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 12:57 PM
stand corrected, going on 18.
Unload him and be a real TEAM (to take a page out of RayRAYS book) again. Rebuild your dynasty around Bynum.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 01:00 PM
"...before it wasn't Kobe's team and Shaq did not allow Kobe to be a leader, so Kobe just got isolated and was afraid to open up to his teammates"
Oh please, Lakofan.
Maybe that's why you won those championships, and haven't won any (or will win any) with the man-child at the throne.
Don't get me wrong. If the Brokebacks fight through it and win in spite of the Saint, I'll be the first to root for them, except of course, against the Kings of basketball.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 01:15 PM
"I think now Kobe is coming into his own person and is starting to mature. After all, he's only 27 going on 28" or something like that.
I heard he is starting to shave and likes girls too.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 01:24 PM
lakofan,
Much as I admire Kobe, and I'm a huge fan, in this matter he is not without fault. I also don't think it is possible to separate the athlete from the personality.
I believe, maybe because I am a huge fan but quite possibly because I have lived long enough to have an "informed" opinion, that Kobe will not only overcome the media negatives, but will lead the Lakers to a championship.
The Shaq and Kobe era will be remembered as much for the "silbling rivalry", as for the championships. Watching Kobe grow up, and having the opportunity to watch him quite possibly on his way to being one of the most transcendent athletes and competitor in any sport is enough for me. I don't need for Kobe to be anything else, but that may not be true for others.
BTW Sonny, the Brokeback thing is kinda dated and played out now. You need to come up with something newer and fresher.
Posted by: Glenn | August 21, 2006 at 01:43 PM
Actually, to my ear, Brokebacks has a nice ring to it. Kind of like the "Queens".
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 01:59 PM
Some people come all the way to our blog just to try and bash Kobe. Damn sonny, that niners loss must have really hurt. But hey, if coming in and taking cheap shots at someone make you feel better, that's your thing. You should really be greatful though that a real team like the RAIDERS took time out of their pro football schedule to host your sorry niners and show you how it's done. Niners? Queens? Man, your a loser all year.
B.
Posted by: TheeCaliKing | August 21, 2006 at 02:01 PM
Although Glenn,
that Kobe "is on his way to being one of the most transcendent athletes and competitor in any sport" is enough for you, may be a stroke of luck for many of you.
You can be especially satisfied that you have no need for Kobe to be anything else, because an effective leader of a storied franchise he is not.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 02:08 PM
By the way ThreeCali,
How's your NFL team shaping up this year?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 21, 2006 at 02:13 PM
opps AK it was robe not rope, sorry but I was in a hurry.
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Peter Maguire,
"Shaq truly embarrasses himself pretending to be the MDE over Wilt,Kareem or even Russell."
Although I'm still a Shaq fan I have to agree. No way can he be the MDE when the likes of Chamberlain scores 100 points in one game. Heck, Bryant scored 81...how's that for a MDE canidate?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 02:27 PM
Weave-Man,
I understand your feeling towards Pinnock. He may turn out to be a decent player in this league. I wasn't saying that the Lakers should definitely get rid of him. What I said was that Profit is expected to be fully recovered by the mid point of the season. I would still sign Profit and let Pinnock go at that point. However, by the midpoint the Lakers will know what Pinnock can offer to them. They can decide whether to keep him then. Besides, I had him going to the D-League so it isn't like he'd be away from the organzation. As for Profit, the way he played before his injury showed a smoothness and ease to the game that the Lakers need off of the bench. He doesn't have to play much during the season, but I see him as a new version of Brian Shaw that could be utilized greatly in the post season. IF guys like Smush, Shammond or Farmar get fazed in the playoffs, Profit is the kind of guy that ca come in a play a settled game.
You guys are missing the point that the Lakers need to be thinking in terms of filling holes for specific situations. That is what gets a team over the top. If they were simply trying to make the playoffs, that would be one thing, but that's not the goal for next season. Winning a championship is.
As for Sasha, I figured that Atlanta most likely wouldn't want him because they don't really need him. The Lakers don't necessarily need him either, but his hustle and experience from last year makes him more valuable than Green or Pinnock. They haven't been in the playoff environment. Guys that have faced the fire are the guys that you want on the floor next season.
That is why Harrington is a great pickup. He faced the fire with the Pacers. He has been in this league long enough to gain valauble experience. Plus, you can't teach guys how to step up their games, they just have to do it. Harrington has shown at times that he can. He's not a main star, but the Lakers don't need that anyway.
I still say that the Lakers should get Harrington. It just makes sense.
Posted by: JJ | August 21, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Sonnybelfast,
does Bibby losing 18 lbs make him even weaker than before? If so, along with Brad Miller's age and health, I wouldn't be too concerned about finding money to pay for Kings Playoff games.
Posted by: greek dude | August 21, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Harrington:
This is just a thought to throw out for discussion. Harrington, having played for the hawks, didn't really get any national air time. I personally have not really seen him play since he left the pacers. I personally have not really been on the "Sign Al" bandwagon. I always thought of him as a 3. I agree he's a good player, but he would be another player at an already overmanned position. The Lakers have bigger needs. However, I recently read about him on hoopshype.com that he played BOTH forward positions in atlanta, and apparently he was pretty effective at the 4. That being said, since he could hypothetically start and play the 4, you could still start RadMan at the 3. With this, the starting lineup would hypothetically be this:
PG - LO
SG - Kobe
SF - RadMan
PF - Al
C - Kwame
Any thoughts?
B.
Posted by: TheeCaliKing | August 21, 2006 at 02:30 PM
Mike,
GREAT Wilt link. Perfect.
Happy B-Day Stilt!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 21, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Glenn,
I never said Kobe was not at fault, but the media only blames Kobe and not the other parties, it is always Kobe's fault and well that is not the case.
To tell you the truth I know Kobe is arrogant and he was worse when he was younger, but all athletes are the same way.
The only problem is that even if Kobe changes in the sense that he is more mature, the media will never give him a break, they will always make sure the past will be the present and the future.
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 02:32 PM
the deal with Indiana is on: http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/walsh_harrington_060821.html
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 02:37 PM